Exploring Contemplative
Spirituality
​The Contemplative Way series, presented by Fr Grant Bullen (associate priest at the cathedral of Christ the King), will continue next year in 2026. It will follow the same pattern – looking at the lives and teaching of Christian mystics, past and contemporary.
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All sessions are Saturday afternoon in the cathedral hall. There is no need to register.
If you have questions, please email Fr Grant at bullengrantley@gmail.com
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The Contemplative Way
Part 3 – 2026
Session 1:
“Stages on the Journey” – Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
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The way of faith as a ‘Journey’, guided by Teresa’s teaching of the seven stages, from her classic work, “The Interior Castle”. With particular attention to Mansion 3 – The Home of the Good People.
Saturday 7 February, 2026
2:30 to 4:30pm
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Session 2:
“When the Way is Dark” – John of the Cross (1552-1591)
The life and teaching of the Spanish mystic and poet, John of the Cross, with particular focus on his most known work, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” How do we find the Way in darkness... when the path seems hidden?
Saturday 2 May, 2026
2:30 to 4:30pm
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Session 3:
“Spirituality in the Ordinary Life” – Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941)
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Anglican lay woman, Evelyn Underhill, was an unconventional spiritual guide for the first half of the 20th century. Not from a scholarly institution, not ordained, not a nun... an ‘ordinary’ woman... she was the person who opened the world of mysticism to ‘ordinary people’. She was the writer/broadcaster who popularised the language of ‘spirituality” as our most common means to speak of the Contemplative Way.
Saturday 15 August, 2026
2:30 to 4:30pm
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Session 4:
“The Human Condition” – Thomas Keating (1923-2018)
This is our second look at the teaching of Thomas Keating, the contemporary ‘father’ of Centring Prayer.This session looks at his mystical understanding of the ‘human condition’ using current psychological concepts.He charts our journey to psychological maturity and wholeness, speaking of GOD as the ‘Divine Therapist’.
Saturday 7 November, 2026
2:30 to 4:30pm​
About The Contemplative Way:
Contemplative Spirituality is a way of life – seeing, relating, and understanding – not only a way of prayer. It focuses on the transforming experience of the presence of God, exploring the disposition and practice that open us to that experience. Whilst often living on the margins of Church, Contemplative Spirituality has witnessed a flourishing renewal in our time.
Taught in afternoon workshops, this course explores the Way of Christ as understood in the contemplative tradition. It traces the development of contemplative spirituality from the teachings of Jesus, through the centuries of church tradition (particularly in western mysticism) to the renewal of our own age.
Format:
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In-person learning
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Four afternoon workshops.
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Each session looks at core teachings of Jesus as well as considering contemplative practices in lifestyle and prayer.
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Although following a sequential development overall, each session will be structured so that it’s ok for occasional or once-off attendance.
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Further details will be advertised in the month prior to each session.
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Join us:
Each session is structured so that it’s ok for occasional or once-off attendance.
Further details will be advertised in the month prior.
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Any questions can be directed by email:
Fr Grant Bullen
bullengrantley@gmail.com
Part 2 – 2025
Session 1:
“The Fruits of Holiness” – Mystics, Then and Now
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Session 2:
“Contemplation and Action” – Mary, Martha & the Household at Bethany
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Session 3:
“Dying to Self” – Thomas Merton and the True Self
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Session 4:
“All Will Be Well” – Julian of Norwich, 14th century English Mystic
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